Automatic train-pipe connector



B. l. MINNIER AND H. F. BICKEL.

AUTOMATIC TRAIN PlPE CONNECTOR. APPucAnon HLED 26. 1920.

Patented Aug. 1, 1922.

B. l. MINNIER AND. H. F. BICKEL. AUTOMATIC TRAIN PlPE CONNECTOR. APPLICATION m50 r.26.192o.

1 ,424,582, Panted Aug. 1, 1922.

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flttozmap 8.1. MINNIER AND H. F. BICKEL. Auron/mc mun PIPE counfcmn. APPLICATION FILED YEB. 26. 1920.

Patented Aug. 1, 1922.

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v" .Fanny G trauma' B. I. MINNIER AND H. F. BICKEL.

AUTOMATIC TRAIN PIPE CONNECTOR.

APPLICATloN FILED FEB. 26, 1920.

1 ,424,582. Patented Aug. 1, 1922.

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BLYTHE J'. MINNIER, 0F WATERTOWN. NEW YORK,

PATENT OFFICEP AND HENRY F. BICKEL, 0F

PLAIN FIELD. N EW JERSEY.

AUTOMATIC TRAIN-PIPE CONNECTOR.

Application filed February 26, 1920. Serial No.

To all inkom t may ooiiecwi Be it known that We, BLYTHE J. MiNNinn and HENRY F. Bioiinn, citizens of the United States, residing, res iectively. at W'atertown, in the county of Je .erson and State ot New York, and at Plainfield. in the county ol Union and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improve ments in Automatic` Train-Pipe Connectors, of which the following is a speciication.

This invention relates to train pipe connectors for railway cars, and particularly to the automatic type ol comieotor in which a connector head mounted on one car is automatically brought into connecting relation With a` similar head on an adjacent cai' by the couplingI oi" the cars together.

`he principal features oi novelty are, first the mode of supporting the connector head, so that it maintains a definite position and alinement when the cars are uncouplcd. but is free to have universal movement of considerable range when the cars are coupled, and so that any connector head and its component parts can be dismounted and icplaced when the cars are coupled as well when they are uncoupled; second. a remov able gasket arrier capable of removal while the cars are coupled to permit the renewal o worn or defective gaskets; and, third. the Combina-tion in a single structure of the features above mentioned. the special supporting means being peculiarly adapted to use with the removable gasket carrier' because of the facility with which the connector heads may be slightly separated, While the cars remain coupled, to free the gaskets and permit the withdrawal of the gasket carrier.

The maintenance ot' uniform iosition and alinement in the uncoiipled conition of the cars assures accurate enga gement and registration of the connector heads during the `coupling` operation. This reduces Wear and tear and ensures cert-ain operation.

After the cars have been coupled. the interengagement of the connector heads Will maintain their a-linement with each other, and it is accordingly important that each head should have considerableuniversal movement with reference to its res ective oar, since the relative movement. of t e cars is considerable. The present invention `S iecication of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 1, 1922.

leaves both connector heads free when the cars are coupled, except that each is subjected to spring pressure urging it into scali-ng engagement with the other.

. Another `desirable result secured by the invention is that the main springs are .capable of adjustment Whether .the cars be coupled or uncoupled. djiistmeitt of the spring does not affect the position assumed by the connector head when the icai' is iuncoupled; consequently the adjustment of the spring has no disturbin i effect on the automatic engagement of he connector heads iluring the coupling operation.

Not only may such adjustments be made,

but it is possible to disniount a connector head while the cars remain coupled, and it is possible to replace any component part by a relatively simple operation. l

From the standpoint of )ractical inaintenance and operation, the aility toadjust and replace parts While the carsremain coupled is a feature ot the utniost importance. l `here are many occasions when it is imperative that such replacements or adjustment be made Without uncoupliir the oars, and the pre-sent. invention there ore greatly extends the practical utility of automatic train pi ue connectors.

`he invention is peculiarly applicable to that type of automatic connector which is mounted on the automatic couplers forming a part of the draft gear oi standard railway cars. Such an embodiment oi' the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in Which,

Fig, l is a side elevation of two connector heads, the connector heads being shown wedged hack to iree the gaskets, and one gasket carrier being shown withdrawn. In this view the automatic coupler heads, from which the connector heads are suspended, are shown in outline only, and the flexible pipe connections to the connector heads are omitted;

Fig. 2 is a side View, principally in sec tion, of a single connector head and its su port. The iiexihle pipe connections to t e connector head are omitted, and the auto` matic coupler head upon which the connecto' head is supported is shown in outline 01.1 y 5 ioo Fig. 3 is a section on the line S--i ot Fig. Q; Y

Fig. 4 is a horizontal axial section througl'i a connector head and the carrier head upon which it is supported; Y i

Fig. 5 is a front elevation oi a connector head and its support; and

Figs. 6, 'i' and 5i are, respectively, Vertical section` Viront elevation and plan, of the gasket carrier.

Referring to Fie'. l. il and l2 arc auto matic coupler hear 'forming a part of the dra'ft rigging. These are illustrated merely to sho7V the mode of supporting the connector heads hereafter described.v Since the connector head carried by each of the couplings 11 and lf2 is a duplicate of that carried by the other, a description of one will suiiice. Referring now particulariiY to Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive, 13 is a depending bracket, which mayY either be formed integrally witln or be bolted to, a coupler head il. The form and dimensions of the bracket i3 deend somewhat on the form ot the coupler head ll, the dimensions being such properi),r to position the connector head support cd by the bracket with reference to the coupler 11.

Bracket 13 terminates at its lower end in a rectangular boss 14. This is embraced between jaws 15 and 16 on the upper end ot a carrier l? which terminates at its lower end in an approximately spherical carrier head i8. A pair of bolts i9 pass through the jaws l5 and i6 and the boss 14- and thus connect the member 1T io the bracket i3. In order to secure a tight lit, the jaws 15 and 1G terminate in overhanging lflanges 2i! which engage behind the boss llt and wedge 2l is driven under the boss la vto take up the slack. The projecting end oi' this wedge is bent to prevent it working out, as is shown in Fig. 2.

As is best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the carrier i7 is tubular and is reinforced by a web Q2 which is extended. at the rear to form an alinement stop 23. A companion alinement stop 2dr is formed on the rear ci the spherical carrier head 18 near its lower extremity. The carrier head 18 is formed at cach side with a trunnion Q5, and has on its front and rear faces openings which are reinforced by inwardly projecting ianges 2T. "The opening at the bottom of the head '18 is merely for convenience in manufacture.

Mounted on the carrier head 1S is the connector head indicated generally by the numeral 28. This is Jformed integrally with a supporting yoke consisting of .two side bars i 29, parallel to each other, and a connecting ring bridging the rear ends of thel bars 29. The JErontface of the ringV 30 is formed with a bearing seat fitting the rear spherical face of carrier head 18. Each of the side hars 29 has a slot Sil to receive the trunnions 25, formed on the sides ot the carrier head '178. The slots 3i are narrowed at their er: treme rear portions to torni seats 32, (best shown in Fig. i) which closely tit the trun-A nions 25.' VThe connecting ring 30 has at its top and bottoni stops 3S and 34 so dimensioned that when the carrier head 2S is at the limit oi' its forward motion these stops abut against the alinement stops 23 and 2.4. Thuswhen ring ih) is against head 1S, stops 23? and 34 engage alinen'ient stops 23 and 2i and trunnions 25 are conlined in seats 32. This is the means used 'to secure positive aiincmcnt when cars are uncoupled.

A tension rod passes through the openings Q6 and is threaded at its forward end. hearing cup 36 which tits the forward spherical face of the carrier head i8 is screwed into the forward end ot' the rod and is pinned in )lace as indicated atBT. The rear end ot t ie rod 35 has a threaded portion ot' considerable length,y and a relatively long sleeve uut 39 is threaded thereon. This is locked by a check nut 40. Swiveled on nut 39 is a spring seat 4l. Confined betweenV thc spring scat il and a spring seat 42, iormed on the rear face oi' the `yoke ring 3U, is a conical spiral s ring 43. This is the main spring which Violds the connector head 28 at the J['orward limit of its motion Whenever the cars are uncouplcd, and: with the similar main springof Vthe companion connector head, produces the scaling pressure between the connector heads of coupled cars.

To permit a onnector head to he forced rear ard in opposition to its spring 43, for certain replacement operations, the side bars 2U are formed with bosses rbh and sut icicn't space is lei't between the sides oi' the carrier head 'll and the side bars l0 to receive a wedge. shown in Fig. l. The Wedge is not a part of the connector structure.` but is merely a convenient tool to enable a mechanic upon occasion t0 torce the connector head back with reference to the supporting head 18.

4i`he connector head 528 has contact Jiace designed to abut against the similar face ci" a companion connector head. The connector head is further provided with staggered guiding jaws 4T and 4S of usual form which guide the face i6 of one connector head into proper registering contact with the face oi a companion connector head. The connector head, at the rear of the face 4G, cored out to Yforni chambers, one for each pipe line carried by the car. 1nV the example illustrated these are chambers 49, having a threaded connection for the signal air pipe`y chamber 5l having a threaded connection 52 for the air brake pipe or train pipe, and chamber 53 having a threaded connection 54 for the ysteam pipe.

absorbed in the springs and at the ball cups 36, so that wear and leakage between con nector heads are minimized.

The structure therefore meets the requirements ot hard service, first by accommodation to the severe movements of the coupled r'ars in a Way to minimize wear, without sacrifice of precise automatic action in coupling, and second, by permitting replacement of parts while cars remain coupled. The replacements and adjustments most 'frequently required are made with extreme ease and quickness.

The carrier plate, and the gaskets carried thereby, are in effect a removable sealing element, and in certain claims we usc this term to designate these parts or their substantial equivalent.

Having thus described our invention what we claim is 1. In an automatic train pipe connector, the combination of a carrier head having trunnions, a spherical front bearing face, and alinement stops; a slotted yoke loosely mounted on said trunnions and capable of longitudinal and limited universal motion with reference to said carrier head when forced back to clear said alinement stops; a connector head mounted on the forward end of said yoke; a tension rod having a socket bearing on the front face of said carrier head and extending to the rear of said carrier head; and a spring held by said tension rod and acting against the rear end of said yoke to force said yoke and connector head forward.

2. In an automatic' train pipe connector, the combination of a carrier head having trunnions and alinement stops; a yoke em bracing said carrier head and having slots to receive said trunnions, said slots being Wider than said trunnions and formed with seats at their rear ends to confine said trunnions closely; a connector head mounted on the front end of said yoke; a tension rod having a ball and socket connection with said carrier head and extending rearward from said carrier head; and a coiled spring Surrounding said tension rod, supported at its rear end thereby, and bearing at its front end against said yoke, said spring serving in the uncoupled condition of the device to hold said yoke at the limit of its forward motion against said alinement stops, with said trunnions confined in said seats.

3. In an automatic train pipe connector-` the combination of a carrier head having trunnions and alinement sto s; a yoke emA bracing said carrier head and having slots to receive said trunnions, said slots being wider than said trunnions and formed with seats at their rear ends to confine said tron nions closely; a connector head mounted on the front end of said yoke; a tension rod having a ball and socket connection with said carrier head and extending rearward Yfrom said carrier head; a coiled spring surrounding said tension rod, supported at its rear end thereby, and bearing at its front end against said yoke said spring serving in the uncoupled condition of the device to hold said yoke at the limit of its 'forward motion against said alinement stops with said trunnions confined in said seats; and means for adjusting spring.

Ll. In an automatic train-pipe connector, the combination of a connector-head having an orificed face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head; and a sealing element having orifices surrounded by yielding sealing means, said orifices normally registering with the orifices in said face and said sealing element being capable of removal as a unit by a sliding movement across said orificed face.

5. In a train-pipe connector, the combination of a pair of opposed orificed connector heads; resilient means urging said heads toward each other; a pair of sealing elements, one for each head, each such element having an orifice surrounded by sealing means, such orice normally registering with an orifice in the corresponding head, and each sealing element being capable of withdrawal from between said heads in a direction transverse to the line of thrust between said heads, while saidV heads are in close proximity; and releasable means for connecting each sealing element in registering position on its corresponding head.

6. In an automatic train pipe connector. the combination of an orificed connector head; a platedike gasket carrier capable of being slid into position edgewise across the orificed face. of said connector head and adapted, when in position, to confine a gasket around said orifice; a gasket mounted in said carrier; and releasable retaining means for said carrier, accessible in the coupled condition of the connector head, and serving to hold the carrier in place on said connector head,

7. In an automatic train pipe connector, the combination of an orificed connector head; a plate-like gasket carrier capable of being slid into position edgewise across the orificed face of said connector head and adapted, when in position, to rconfine a gasket around said orifice; a gasket mounted in said carrier and capable of free withdrawal from the rear fare of said carrier when the latter is removed from the connector head; and releasabie retaining means for said carrier, accessible in the coup condition of the connector head, and serving plo hild the carrier in place on said connector the tension on sai 8. In an automatic train pipe connector,

led

the combination of a connector head having an orificed face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head; a gasket carrier with a flange-receiving recess; a ilanged gasket mounted in said carrier` and projecting through the same with its flange confined in said recess; and releasablc retaining means for said carrier serving to hold it in position on said face with the gasket sealing around said orifice, and to permit withM drawal ot said carrier and gasket across the face ot said connector head.

9. In an automatic train pipe connector, the combination of a connector head ha ving an oriiced face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head, said Face being formed with a guideway lying approximately in the plane ot said face; a gasket carrier confined in said guideway, capable of Withdrawal therefrom and tornfied with a flange-receiving recess serving to confine a gasket in sealing relation with said head around said orifice; and a flanged gasket mounted in said carrier and projecting through the same with its i'lange contincd in said recess.

10. In an automatic train pipe connector` the combination of a connector head having an oriiiced face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head; a gasket serving to seal around said orifice; a gasket carrier serving to confine said gasket in place; and retaining means Jfor said carrier serving to permit the Withdrawal of said carrier across said face, whereby said carrier and gasket may be Withdrawn Without interference by said companion connector head while the heads are in close proximity.

ll. In an automatic train pipe connector, the combination o1u a connector head having an oriliced face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head, said tace being formed with a guideway lying approximately in the plane of said face; a gasket carrier mounted in said guideway, apable of withdrawal therefrom and serving When in position to confine a gasket in sealing relation to said head around said orice; and a gasket mounted in said carrier and capable ot Withdrawal therewith.

12. In an automatic train pipe connector Vl'or railway cars, the combination of a support carried by the car; a connector head movably mounted on said support and hav ing an oriticed tace adapted to be presented to a companion connector head on an adjacent car; a spring urging said head in a direction to engage said companion head; abutments on said head and support offering engagement to torce-applying means for temporarily holding said connector head. back in opposition to said spring; a gasket carrier slidable into position across the oriiiced face of said head and serving, when in position, to hold a gasket around said orilire; a gasket; .mounted in said carrier; and releasable retaining means for said carrier accessible in the coupled condition of said cars.

13. In an automatic train pipe connector for railway cars, the combination of a support carried by the car; a connector head movably mounted on said support and having an orificed face adapted to be presented to a companion connector head on an adjacent car; a spring urging said head in a direction to engage said companion head; abutments on said head and support offering engagement to `torce-applying means for temporarily holdingl said connector head back in opposition to said spring; a gasket carrier slidable into position across the oriiced face of said head and serving, When in position, to hold a gasket around said orihce; a gasket mounted in said carrier and freely removable from the rear thereof when the carrier is withdrawn; and releasable retaining means for said carrier acces sible in the coupled condition of said cars.

In testimony whereof We have signed our names to this specification.

BLYTHE J MINN IER. HENRY F. BICKEL. 

